High-frequency electrotherapy apparatus

Abstract

A high-frequency electrotherapy apparatus capable of controlling a variety of output, frequency, and pulse shape is disclosed. The high-frequency electrotherapy apparatus comprises a main body having a switching controller controlling through a digital signal processor (DSP) and a display controller controlling through a microcontroller, and an infrared lamp for the optimum hair-growth effect. High-frequency current is transmitted through a human body using a treatment electrode contacted with a scalp and a counter electrode pad for coupling with the treatment electrode. In the high-frequency electrotherapy apparatus according to the present invention, all the conditions such as the output, frequency, and pulse shape are configured to accomplish the optimum effect for growth of hair. Also, dangerous factors for the human body are removed using a feedback circuit and a grounded frame of the main body, thereby prevent burning or electric shock. Moreover, infiltration depth of the high-frequency is minimized to approximately 2mm, so that diathermy can be achieved without inducing any side effect of the electrical therapy.

1 . A high-frequency electrotherapy apparatus comprising: 
 a main body comprising: 
 a current generator for generating a high frequency current;  
 a control unit for controlling generation of a high frequency current, and  
 a grounded frame;  
   a treatment electrode electrically connected to the main body, the treatment electrode being configured to contact a body part of a patient;    a counter electrode pad electrically connected to the main body, the counter electrode being configured to contact another body part of the patient; and    an infrared lamp electrically connected to the main body.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the high-frequency current has a voltage of about 1.0 to about 1.5 kV, a frequency of about 250 to about 330 kHz, and an average input current of about 0.2 to about 0.7 A.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the current generator comprises: 
 a rectification unit for rectifying power supply;    an output control unit connected to an output of the rectification unit for controlling a current output from the rectification unit; and    a stabilizing circuit unit connected to an output of the output control unit for blocking abnormal signals when switching,    and wherein the main body additionally comprises:    a transform unit having an input connected to an output of the stabilizing circuit unit and an output connected to a load, the transform unit being configured to boost a voltage applied to the load;    an intermittence unit for switchingly controlling a waveform of the voltage output from the transform unit; and    a feedback circuit unit for preventing a current above a reference value.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises: 
 a switching controller for measuring and controlling through a digital signal processor (DSP); and    a display controller for controlling setting of output voltage and output energy, input of run/stop commands, cover-current protection, and display, through a microcontroller.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein, when current above the reference value is detected by the feedback circuit unit, the control unit interrupts application of a signal and current to the intermittence unit.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment electrode comprises: 
 a cylindrical shaft;    a terminal connected to the shaft; and    a thin ceramic layer coating the terminal.    
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a skin-contact area of the counter electrode pad is approximately 20 times as large as a skin-contact area of the treatment electrode pad.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the intermittence unit switchingly controls a waveform of the voltage output from the transform unit to have an optimum pulse shape for maximizing a hair growth effect.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the transform unit is configured to adjust inductance so as to remove a ripple voltage generated between the electrodes.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the infrared lamp is configured to project infrared rays onto the body part.  
     
     
         11 . A high-frequency electrotherapy apparatus comprising: 
 a main body comprising: 
 a grounded frame,  
 a rectification unit for rectifying power supply,  
 an output control part connected to an output of the rectification unit for controlling a current output from the rectification unit,  
 a stabilizing circuit unit connected to an output of the output control unit for blocking abnormal signals when switching,  
 a transform unit having an input connected to an output of the stabilizing circuit unit and an output connected to a load, the transform unit being configured to boost a voltage applied to the load,  
 an intermittence unit for switchingly controlling a waveform of the voltage output from the transform unit,  
 a feedback circuit unit for interrupting a current above a predetermined reference value, and  
 a control unit for controlling the overall operations of the main body;  
   a treatment electrode electrically connected to the main body, the treatment electrode being configured to contact a body part of a patient;    a counter electrode pad electrically connected to the main body, the counter electrode being configured to contact another part of the patient's body; and    an infrared lamp electrically connected to the main body.    
     
     
         12 . A high frequency electrotherapy apparatus for use in hair growth treatment, comprising: 
 a first electrode comprising a ceramic layer;    a second electrode;    a voltage generator configured to generate a voltage between the first and second electrodes, the voltage having a frequency of about 250 kHz to about 330 kHz, the voltage having a waveform substantially free of a ripple component.    
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the voltage generator comprises: 
 a current generator configured to generate a high frequency current; and    a transform unit having an input and an output, the input being connected to the current generator, the output being connected to the first and second electrodes, the transform unit being configured to adjust inductance so as to remove a ripple component from a high frequency current.    
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the voltage generator further comprises: 
 an intermittence unit having an output connected to an input of the transform unit, the intermittence unit being configured to adjust the waveform of the voltage.    
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the voltage generator further comprises: 
 a switching controller having an output connected to an input of the intermittence unit; and    a feedback circuit unit having an output and an input, the output being connected to an input of the switching controller, the input being connected to an output of the current generator.    
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the switching controller comprises a digital signal processor.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , additionally comprising: 
 a rectification unit configured to rectify a current supplied from an external power source;    an output control unit configured to compare the rectified current with a reference voltage; and    a stabilizing circuit unit having an input and an output, the input being connected to an output of the output control unit, the output being connected to an input of the transform unit.    
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the first electrode has a first surface configured to contact the body part, and the second electrode has a second surface configured to contact the other body part, and wherein the second surface has an area about 20 times larger than the area of the first surface.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the ceramic layer of the first electrode is configured to substantially prevent a current flow between the first and second electrodes.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising an infrared lamp.